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This lecture focuses on the process of developing your news story.
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Developing a News Story
JOURN 305
What gets coverage?
There are several variables determining news coverage
The largest variable is the impact that the story has on the readership/public
Other Factors
“Real world” factors– Reporter
interest/prejudice– “Exclusive” access– Competition– Size of the market– Other breaking news
Covering Developing Stories
Each story has its own life cycle There may be several “phases” to the
reporting of the story
Phase 1
Breaking news Front-page placement Reporting may be limited to initial info Time is critical Details updated when available
– For Web and broadcast
Mainbars vs. Sidebars
Mainbar = primary story Sidebar = related story
– Usually human interest angle
Example
Mainbar– The New York Times runs a front-page story on
memorial events marking the 5-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks
Sidebar– The New York Times revisits the families for a
human-interest profile (“Portraits of Grief”)
Example
Billboard, May 29, 1999
– Anti-Copy Plan Would "Filter' Downloads
Phase 2
Follow-up story with more details Focuses more on the why and how May or may not be front-page news
Example
Billboard, June 5, 1999
– SDMI's "Trigger' Framework Nears Fruition - Some In Online Biz Decry Plan As Attack On Freedom
Second-day Stories
After the initial “breaking news” is reported, a follow-up story that runs a day later will need a new angle
“Second-day lead”– Puts the initial event into perspective– Offers more information and analysis
Example
The space shuttle Columbia explodes on Feb. 1, 2003 – All seven astronauts die
On Feb. 2, the initial event is still important, but it is no longer “breaking news”– Second-day lead focuses on:
Reactions from public Safety of the NASA program Investigation of the cause of the mishap
Example
Phase 1: "Breaking News"One Killed at Stockton "Sideshow"
Phase 2: "Second-Day Lead"Second "Sideshow" Victim ID'd
Example
Breaking news:– Man charged with murde
r hours after girlfriend taken off life support
Follow-up:– Autopsy puts end to mur
der charges
Phase 3
New angles on old stories Human-interest angle In-depth analysis Follow-up on events
Phase 4
Most reporters have moved on Findings of long-term investigations New developments from the original event
are uncovered
Internet Reporting
On the Web, your first version of a news story will likely be updated as new info comes in
Developing Story Checklist
Latest news gets highest placement Include original breaking news high in follow-
up stories If possible, go on location Humanize the story Find a new or unique angle Add to your sources Coordinate multimedia and graphics
In-Class Writing Assignment
Go to the class blog for information on writing a “second-day lead” story
The original story is provided Facts and a quote are provided for the
“second-day” lead story